vodka

Etymology

Borrowed from Russian во́дка (vódka), diminutive of вода́ (vodá, “water”). Historical documentary research of V. Pokhlyobkin suggests the derivation via the usage "dilution (of distillate) with water", as used in expressions "vodka of grain wine" and similar; хле́бное вино́ (xlébnoje vinó, “grain wine”) is an archaic Russian name for vodka. Cognates include Sanskrit उदक (udaka), Ancient Greek ὕδωρ (húdōr) → English hydro-, English whisky and English water.

noun

1. A clear distilled alcoholic liquor made from grain mash.
   Eurydice pointed to the cupboard, and sat down on the low divan with folded hands, and looked at the floor. She was quite white. Elsa made her drink a glass of vodka. 1932, Maurice Baring, chapter 20, in Friday's Business
2. A serving of the above beverage.
   You should mutter sullenly into your glass, cursing the serving woman (Witch! Hag! Poison!) or the vodka (Poison! Bitch!), as the one pours you another glass of the other. 1986, Marc Polonsky, Russell Taylor, USSR, From an Original Idea by Karl Marx, Faber and Faber
3. (US standards of identity) Neutral spirits distilled (or treated after distillation) so as to have no distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.